Here are three amazing tips for ways to feel better when college acceptance letters make you feel sad.

Tip #1: Remember that it’s not your kid that’s making you sad, or even the college acceptance letter that’s making you sad. You feel sad or have mixed emotions because of what you’re making those letters mean. When you see the letter, you’re reminded that your empty nest is around the corner and THAT is what you have mixed feelings about. Thoughts create feelings.

Tip #2: Decide how you want to feel about this transition of your child going away to school. Yes, actually decide, with intention. Let’s say you want to feel excited for him or her. Then, imagine what you would have to actually THINK to feel excited. Personally, I want to think that I can’t wait for him to experience what it’s like to live away at college. That makes me feel excited. Exactly how I want to feel. This is much better than feeling sorry for myself.

Tip #3: Pause and notice your pride. I know you feel it. It’s there. Sometimes at the surface. Sometimes a bit deeper down. But you are so incredibly proud of your kid. You know how important this milestone is. You know that one of the markers of amazing parenting is the ability of your kid to become a successful, contributing adult. Someone who shows up. Someone who works hard. Someone who has goals. Someone who makes a difference.